Pulliam, Willard R. 1924-2024 Oregon, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

OREGON, Mo. – Willard Ray Pulliam, of Oregon, Missouri, passed away on Jan. 23, 2024.

Willard was born on Oct. 19, 1924, near Easton, Missouri (Gashland), and was one of five children. He graduated from Easton, Missouri, High School.

Willard served in the U.S. Navy as a machinist, gun sight and optic’s specialist during WWII (1943-1946). He was recognized and received a Commendation and Medal for Patriotic Service by The State of Missouri.

Willard is one of the last WWII Veterans in Holt County, Missouri.

After completing his Navel Military service, he returned to St. Joseph, where he met and married Mary Jane Orr and began farming in the Easton-San Antonio, Missouri, area.

Willard’s career in agriculture relocated him to the Forbes-Oregon area where Mary Jane, preceded him in passing in October 1991.

He married again in 1993 to Ramona Brown, of Oregon, Missouri.

He attended the United Methodist Church, in Oregon, and was a member of the American Legion, the Tail-Hook Association and held a private pilot’s license for small aircraft.

Willard is survived by wife, Ramona; children, Judith Lingerfelt (Harris), St. Joseph, Jeff Pulliam (Elaina), St. Joseph, and Dixie Pasley (Lynn), of Yukon, Oklahoma; step-children, Ed Brown (Debbie), St. Joseph, and Julie Book (Tom), of Loveland, Colorado; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Farewell Graveside Services & Interment 1 p.m. Tuesday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.